Virginia CommonwealthUniversity (VCU) is a premier urban, public research university nationallyrecognized as one of the best employers for diversity, VCU is a greatplace to work. It is a place of opportunity where your success is supported, andyour career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leavepackage, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity todo mission-driven work. The School of Dentistry strives for our workplaceand learning environment to reflect the demographic and social milieu of ourcommunities. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

PositionResponsibilities:
TheDepartment of Dental Public Health and Policy in the Virginia CommonwealthUniversity School of Dentistry is seeking an ambitious and driven applicant fora postdoctoral research fellow. The fellow will report to and work with Dr.Shillpa Naavaal on various research projects on oral health, medical-dentalintegration, health disparity, and health policy. The postdoctoral fellow willdedicate most of their time to research activities, including but not limitedto project development, coordination, data collection and analysis, developingand applying novel data methods, and helping in writing papers, reports, andgrants. There will be significant opportunities to gain experience in researchdesign, conducting health services research, utilizing complex national and largeadministrative data sets and leading and collaborating on manuscriptspreparation for peer-reviewed journals. The postdoc will be a valued member ofour research team and will be mentored and encouraged to foster skills todevelop into a successful independent researcher.
Required Qualifications:

• PhD in public health, health policy, health services research, health economics, epidemiology or related discipline by the start date of the appointment
• Proficient quantitative data analysis skills and data handling practices are required, including the ability to use survey software and statistical packages such as SAS and proficiency in navigating and maintaining databases
• Excellent scientific writing skills required, as evidenced by publications and/or grant-writing experience
• Should have strong attention to detail, communication (verbal and written), problem-solving, organization, time management, project management, and presentation skills
• Have a demonstrated record of conducting research and working in a diverse environment with the ability to meet deliverables and milestones
• Candidates must have the ability to handle multiple tasks and be able to work both independently and as part of a collaborative interdisciplinary research group
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff and student environment or commitment to do so as an employee at VCU

PreferredQualifications:

• Experience in development of surveys using RedCap/Qualtrics
• A dental degree or background is not required, but interest in and knowledge of oral health research and preventive healthcare services and programs is preferred
• Experience in mixed methods research

Instructionsto the applicant:
To beconsidered, you must upload your cover letter, resume, and three references letters.As a part of our review, we look for a full CV, which includes all professionalappointments/engagements, all post-secondary education, and all publicationsfrom post-secondary education and all respective dates. The final candidatewill be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring departmentupon hire.

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US.

This is a time-limited FTE position for one year,renewable for a second year based on progress and performance.

Applicationswill be reviewed upon receipt and continue until the position is filled.

Thepreferred start date will be September 1st, 2024.
VCU is agreat place to work; post-doctoral fellows are eligible for our generousbenefits package that includes choices for health, vision, and dentalcoverage, life insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, retirementplanning, tax-deferred annuity, and cash match programs, flexible spendingaccounts, significant. paid time off, and more. Explore our benefitsfurther here: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/postdoctoral-employee-benefits/

EqualOpportunity Employer: 
VirginiaCommonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university thatprovides access to education and employment without regard to race, color,religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status,genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ordisability. Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated torecruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverseworkforce. 

Salary Range: $55,000 - $60,000

Position Details:

Department: School of Dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry
Employment Type: PD - Post Doc
Restricted Status: Yes, dependent upon continuedfunding
FTE: 1
Exemption Status: Exempt

ORP Eligible: Yes

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Dr. Shillpa Naavaal

Contact Email: naavaal@vcu.edu